Drilling Operations Awareness
An awareness-level introduction to how wells are drilled: rig types, the main rig systems, well construction, drilling fluid, well control in plain terms and the key roles on a rig. For operations, maintenance and support staff who work with or alongside drilling teams.
52m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons
What you'll learn
- Recognise the main rig types — land rigs, jack-ups and semi-submersibles — and where each is used
- Describe the five main rig systems: hoisting, rotating, circulating, power and well control
- Explain how a well is constructed in repeated sections of drilling, running casing and cementing
- State what drilling fluid does and distinguish primary from secondary well control, including common kick indicators
- Identify the key drilling roles — driller, toolpusher, company man and mud engineer — and who to approach for what
- Respect the interfaces between drilling and the rest of the site, including SIMOPS controls and exclusion zones
Curriculum
Progress through each competency level in order.
1
Awareness
- 3mWhy wells are drilled — and the rigs that drill themKnowledge
- 3mThe five main rig systemsKnowledge
- 7mAwareness check: rigs and rig systemsAssessment
2
Knowledge
- 3mHow a well is constructedKnowledge
- 3mDrilling fluid and well control in plain termsKnowledge
- 8mKnowledge check: well construction and well controlAssessment
3
Skill
- 3mWho does what on a rigKnowledge
- 3mAssignment: map the drilling interfaces at a worksiteAssignment
- 7mSkill check: working around a drilling operationAssessment
4
Mastery
- 2mSharing a site with drilling: SIMOPS done wellKnowledge
- 3mAssignment: lead a drilling-interface briefingAssignment
- 7mMastery assessment: judgement around drilling operationsAssessment
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